待つ（まつ）Conjugation
JLPT N5 · Godan verb (Group 1) · Meaning: to wait
Full conjugation table
| Form | Japanese | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary form The base form — casual speech and the stem for many grammar patterns. | 待つ | まつ |
| masu (polite present) Polite present/future affirmative. | 待ちます | まちます |
| masen (polite negative) Polite present negative. | 待ちません | まちません |
| mashita (polite past) Polite past affirmative. | 待ちました | まちました |
| masen deshita (polite past neg.) Polite past negative. | 待ちませんでした | まちませんでした |
| te-form The most versatile form — linking, requests, progressive and more. | 待って | まって |
| ta (plain past) Plain past affirmative. | 待った | まった |
| nai (plain negative) Plain present negative. | 待たない | またない |
| nakatta (plain past neg.) Plain past negative. | 待たなかった | またなかった |
| Potential Ability or possibility — 'can do'. | 待てる | まてる |
| Passive Passive voice — 'to be done to'. | 待たれる | またれる |
| Causative Causative — 'to make/let someone do'. | 待たせる | またせる |
| Volitional Volitional — 'let's…' or intention. | 待とう | まとう |
| Imperative Imperative — a strong command; used sparingly. | 待て | まて |
| Prohibitive Prohibitive — 'don't do it!'. | 待つな | まつな |
| Conditional (ba) Hypothetical 'if' — leans written. | 待てば | まてば |
| Conditional (tara) The most versatile everyday 'if / when'. | 待ったら | まったら |
Example sentences
- 駅で三十分も彼を待った。 — I waited for him at the station for as long as thirty minutes.
- すぐに戻るので、少し待ってください。 — I'll be right back, so please wait a moment.
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